The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-10-29


not any worse than it now appears to be.
One thing that struck him forciblv is
that controversy which began upon the
word "restore," has developed into a
profound revolution complete recon-
struction. Then this new form does not
give the least intimatio1 that the several
doctrines emanated are taken from the
Bible. Further, the basal truth of all.
"whose nature is love-" is dropped out
altogether. Then the fundamental that
holiness and happiness are inseparably
connected is omitted. We have, indeed.
the certainty of retribution- truth
much better expressed by the clause left
out. The whole structure is clumsy,
wholly lacking In the wisdom which con-
structed the old Profession. Then We
have the rewards of religion what
religion? There are all sorts of re-
llglon. What we want is the Christian
religion. Not word is said of Christian
religion. 1t has been objected that the
word Restore is faulty in making
wrong impression; what sort of an inn
preston Is SO certain to be made by the
first clause of the fourth recommends
ton, IL believe that the opportunities.
obligations, and rewards of religion are
In their nature eternal Then of course
the penalties are eternall DR.. Miner was
very emphatic in protest against the state
ment in its details and as a whole.
Remarks by Rev. Mr.. Gardner.
Rev. 8. A. Gardner did not like DIR.
Capen's proposed amendments. Nor
could he approve the new statement
itself. 1t contains many words which
involve dogmatic peculiarities, and it
will have the effect of stirring up con-
troversy. There is general satisfac-
ton with the original Profession. At
all events it occasions not revolt. But
new statement lacking the historic
prestige will be followed by rebellion.
There Is no occasion for a new profess
sion. The fact of different interpreta-
tons. gives no occasion for a new state
ment-no more than difference of Bibli-
cal interpretations make it needful that
we appoint a committee to give us a
new Bible! The tone Of the new creed
Is Objectionable. It has musty flavor.
1t seems as it the committee had
squeezed the old creeds, and that this
statement Is but the drippings. The
change is revolutionary, and revolutions
are dangerous.
Remarks by DR.. Ryder.
Rev. DIR. W. 81. Ryder said that of all
the objections yet urged in favor OF the
Profession, that of it's antiquity has the
least force. Why, his own recollections
went back to a date when he could al
most look at 1903; but he did not regard
himself as an antique He could not
commit himself to the doctrine that the
Profession which comes from 1903 must
forever hold the denomination. He was
satisfied that the historic Profession has
serious faults. The new statement-to
which his own name is appended he
thought an improvement upon it. DR..
Miner might criticise it and find de-
fects. But no one can make a state
ment that will not be open to criticism.
He had no objection to DIR. Capen's
amendments, only we must not strike
out the words personal regeneration"
This is imperatively needed. He could
not think that DR.. Miners objection that
the love of God is left out lis Judicial it
70 kho 81 l1Lo
love makes the very substance of the
new statement.
Remarks by DR.. Sawyer
Rev. DR.. Sawyer had no evidence that
the call for a new belief emanates
from the Universalist people. The Con-
vention OF 1903 was the largest that up
to that period had been held, and the
Trainer of the Profession was exceedingly
fortunate in the draft which he present.
ed, and which so successfully met the ext
gencies OF all varieties of minor beliefs.
He saw no objection to the word "re-
store" 1t is Scriptural term 1t is in
line with the thinking of the whole
Church. To strike out this word would
abruptly cut us away from all that is his
toric from Clement and Origen to the
present. 1t is a mistake to say that the
Profession is weak on ethical grounds.
Believers sought" to practice good works.
The sought" is ethical. No word is more
so. In fact no word has equal ethical
strength. He would not say that the Pro-
fession is without detects. The time,
however, for a new creed has not come.
Remarks by DR.. Capen.
President Capen was in no hurry.
He would be quite willing that the new
statement should wait another year.
Let it be printed and go before the peo-
pie and have wide spread discussion.
The new statement had been criticised
as superficial 1t did seem superficial
to him. He should yield to no one in
his high estimate of the wisdom of the
father who framed the Profession, but it
is stigma upon the present to say that
the united wisdom of the Universalists Of
to-day cannot frame statement more in
accord with the thought Of the present.
The Profession is faulty, seriously SO.
The word "restore" therein does not
have the Scrintural and ADostolic mean